Search

Prince Andrew “terrified” to leave Royal Lodge amid eviction rumours

Prince Andrew is refusing to exit his royal residence as renovations are carried out on the Windsor property, despite advice to the contrary. According to The Daily Mail, the 63-year-old is putting his foot down over fears that he “might never get back in”, likely in response to circulating rumours that his brother - King Charles - wants to evict Andrew from the home as part of his grand plan to scale back the monarchy. While Andrew no longer holds any official royal duty after his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, he still maintains his claim on the mansion with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. And now, that same property is set to become “virtually a building site”, with Andrew having hired builders to undertake necessary repair work on the property, tackling everything from damp to mould. As a source told Page Six, Andrew was reportedly advised to vacate “while work was undertaken” over the course of a few months, “but he’s refused because he’s so terrified that the property might be seized in his absence. “In the meantime, Harry and Meghan vacated Frogmore after being told they needed to leave to make way for Andrew but he is refusing to go there, even though he was given the keys. “He’s allowing Eugenie to stay there. She’s just given birth to her second child so while she recovers and gets back on her feet, she’s staying in Frogmore to be near her mum and dad.” And while some believe the temporary move would make sense for Andrew, his fears remain at the forefront. “It’s become farcical,' an insider told The Daily Mail. “Andrew has roof repairs scheduled later this summer which will take several months to complete and has been advised that staying in the house during those renovations could prove problematic. But he is reluctant to leave.” Buckingham Palace has yet to comment on the rumours, but another source is adamant that the Duke of York will remain in the property, <a href="post.php?post=134779&action=edit&classic-editor">regardless of alleged drama and financial woes</a>. As Page Six noted, Andrew has been making the most of money left to him by the late Queen Elizabeth to fix up the house, with one source explaining that “he’s been quite open about where the money has come from because he doesn’t want people to think he’s come up with it through other means. “The costs are expected to reach into the hundreds of thousands of pounds.” And, as they surmised, Andrew “is adamant that he will see out the end of his [75-year] lease at Royal Lodge.” Images: Getty

Real Estate

Prince William’s undercover university ‘disguise’ revealed

Prince William knows a thing or two about life in the public eye, with most of his major life moments playing out for the entire world to see. But that hasn’t always been the case, with the prince taking matters into his own hands when it came to his education, and opting to fly under the radar during his time at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. And luckily for William, the media agreed, allowing him to conduct his studies with their constant - and prying - eyes on him. But he still had to take a few extra measures to blend in with the rest of the prestigious student body, with one move rising above all of the others: Prince William decided to go by ‘Steve’. According to The Mirror, the prince did still officially enrol under the name William Wales, but when it came to his friends and fellow students, ‘Steve’ was the perfect solution for avoiding any undesired attention. And, as some have pointed out, it’s likely his now-wife Kate used the nickname, too, as “they were close friends at university and lived in the same student accommodation.” However, it had been previously reported by the same publication that Kate had an entirely different pet name for the royal, in which they claimed she used the name ‘Big Willy’ instead. They also noted that the Princess of Wales had occasionally called him ‘Baldy’, too. As a source explained to The Mirror at the time, “the royals are not very good at communicating with one another so this is one way around it. Nicknames are a way of taking the family tension out of things.” William’s university stint wasn’t the first time he had gone by a different name, either, with the prince admitting in a 2007 interview with NBC that he had actually gone by ‘Wombat’ when he was younger - a nickname bestowed upon him by his mother, Princess Diana. “I can’t get rid of it now,” he said. “It began when I was two. I’ve been rightfully told because I can’t remember back that far. But when we went to Australia with our parents, and the wombat, you know, that’s the local animal. So I just basically got called that. Not because I look like a wombat. Or maybe I do.” And the unintended family tradition seems to have carried on through to William’s own children, with Charlotte having two nicknames of her own that have come to light. At the Chelsea Flower Show in 2019, the royals were with their children in Kate’s ‘Back to Nature’ garden when William called out to Charlotte. Although rather than using her real name, he called out for ‘Mignonette’ - a French word meaning “small, sweet, and delicate” or even “cute”. As for Kate, she revealed her nickname for Charlotte - ‘Lottie’ - during a visit to Northern Ireland in 2019, while she was chatting to another proud mother. Images: Getty

Relationships

"Totally bereft": Andrew Lloyd Webber's tragic family news

Andrew Lloyd Webber has shared the devastating news that his eldest son has died. The legendary composer said he was "shattered" to confirm the news that his son Nicholas, 43, had passed away after a battle with gastric cancer. The 75-year-old Oscar-winning composer shared the news on Twitter on Saturday, writing, "I am shattered to have to announce that my beloved elder son Nick died a few hours ago in Basingstoke Hospital." "His whole family is gathered together and we are all totally bereft. - ALW". The heart-breaking news comes just weeks after it was revealed that Nicholas, who was also a composer, has been moved into <a href="https://oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/we-are-all-praying-andrew-lloyd-webber-s-family-heartbreak" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hospice care</a> due to a bout of pneumonia. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">In a statement to People magazine, Andrew gave the update that “as my friends and family know, he has been fighting gastric cancer for the last 18 months and Nick is now hospitalised." <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">“I, therefore, have not been able to attend the recent previews of Bad Cinderella and, as things stand, I will not be able to cheer on its wonderful cast, crew and orchestra on opening night this Thursday." <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">"We are all praying that Nick will turn the corner," Webber continued. "He is bravely fighting with his indomitable humour, but at the moment my place is with him and the family." Stars from the world of musical theatre, politicians, celebrities and close family friends paid tribute to Nicholas as the sad news emerged. Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

“We are all praying”: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s family heartbreak

Andrew Lloyd Webber has shared the devastating news that his eldest son, Nicholas, is “critically” ill with gastric cancer. The composer, known around the world for his award-winning musicals, revealed that he and his family are “absolutely devastated” about the 43-year-old Nicholas’ diagnosis, and brave 18 month fight. In a statement to People, Andrew gave the update that “as my friends and family know, he has been fighting gastric cancer for the last 18 months and Nick is now hospitalised. “I, therefore, have not been able to attend the recent previews of Bad Cinderella and, as things stand, I will not be able to cheer on its wonderful cast, crew and orchestra on opening night this Thursday. "We are all praying that Nick will turn the corner," Webber continued. "He is bravely fighting with his indomitable humour, but at the moment my place is with him and the family." Bad Cinderella is Andrew’s latest Broadway creation - the 21st to his name - and is loosely adapted from the classic Cinderella story, with the titular character seeking to "create her own happily ever after.” It is set to open in March, and prior to the devastating news about Nicholas, he was to attend its associated press events. It’s also Andrew’s first production since School of Rock closed in 2019. Like his father, Nicholas Lloyd Webber - who is the son of Andrew and his first first, Sarah Hugill - has made a name for himself in the composing world. He scored BBC One’s Love, Lies and Records, the 2021 film The Last Bus, and the original cast recording album for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella - from which he received his first ever Grammy nomination. Nicholas’ first production came in 2011, when his musical adaptation of The Little Prince was performed. In light of the milestone event, Nicholas admitted that he was “very nervous”, as he knew there would be attention on him as the son of Andrew. “But I’d like to think that the show will be judged on its own merits,” he continued, “that’s all anyone can ask for.” And in 2011, he told The Times that he’d actually opted to drop the Lloyd part of his name for a while, just to see how attitudes toward himself and his work would shift. “I got some stuff on the radio,” he said, “so I thought ‘okay, I’m obviously not a complete idiot’.” From there, he came to realise that if people were happy to work with him regardless of his surname, then “maybe I should just get on with it.” Images: Getty

Caring

Prince Andrew’s eviction fears

Prince Andrew is facing eviction from his £30 million (~$53m) Windsor home, according to reports. The controversial royal figure is allegedly “distraught” over the news that a cut to his yearly earnings is on the horizon. It is expected that Andrew will have his allowance of 249,000 (~$440,000) cut in April, the same allowance that he has been “dependent” on since he took a step back from his royal duties in 2019 in the wake of sexual assault allegations against him. Andrew has reportedly informed his friends that he will be unable to maintain his home, Royal Lodge, without the money from his brother, and will be forced to leave the property by September. Reports claim that the 30-room mansion is in need of extensive work. Despite the cutbacks, Andrew will not be left penniless, as he will maintain his Navy pension. The Duke of York currently resides at the property with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. It has served at the official country residence of the 63-year-old since 2004, and was previously the Windsor residence of Queen Elizabeth II’s mother. Andrew’s yearly allowance, paid out from his mother’s private estate, has allowed for the upkeep of Royal Lodge. However, King Charles III is now in control of those payments, and with his goals for the British monarchy, his sights have been set on Andrew. Over the Christmas period, it is alleged that a senior royal made the joke that “we will kick Andrew out of the house.” The jest is likely to have fallen flat with the royal, as a source informed The Sun, “Andrew and Sarah are distraught they have been given such short notice. “The Queen died only a few months ago. He’s not being explicitly kicked out but it’s expected that he won’t be able to afford the maintenance - Royal Lodge has a swimming pool, 98 acres of land, and is already in need of some repair.” The source went on to explain that Charles’ decision was about telling Andrew “he can use his own money to pay for things” and how the same went for other members of the royal family, such as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. “And while there is leniency with working members of the family, who have offices funded by the Sovereign Grant,” they added, “there have been other examples.” It was mentioned that Charles “doesn’t feel he should pay for the upkeep of ponies to pull the carriage” in reference to Charles’ aim to slim down the British monarchy, and the review into how their money is being spent. “He knows the public won’t want to see money wasted,” the source surmised. “Particularly in the current climate.” Images: Getty

News

How Prince Andrew and Prince Harry have thrown coronation plans into "chaos"

With King Charles' coronation looming closer, royal experts have claimed that the celebratory weekend will be overshadowed by controversial royals Prince Harry and Prince Andrew. Buckingham Palace recently released <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/new-details-announced-for-king-charles-coronation-weekend" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more information</a> on the slew of events that will take place over the coronation weekend in May, with a range of ceremonial, celebratory and community happenings to commemorate the new reigning sovereign. However, the plans for the grand weekend seem to already have been thrown into "chaos" by the revelation the Duke of York has amassed a £10 million ($A17.6 million) war chest to launch a case against sex abuse victim Virginia Giuffre. Plus, Prince Harry’s memoir, which quickly became the fastest-selling nonfiction book of all time, is still making headlines all over the world. Royal expert Angela Levin thinks the coronation plans will “absolutely” be thrown into chaos as a result, questioning whether the royal outcasts will even attend. She told <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/21135717/kings-coronation-plans-chaos-prince-andrew-harry-meghan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun Online,</a> “I don’t even know if he and Harry are going together.” The Sun revealed on Saturday that Prince Andrew is making a bid to overturn the multimillion-dollar settlement with his sex accuser after her abuse case against a high-profile US lawyer crumbled. Angela said, “Andrew is out of control – who’s guiding him on this?” She said it seemed to be more than a coincidence that the Duke’s plans came to light less than two weeks after the release of Spare, saying “It seems very odd." “I’ve got no evidence. But the people who feel full of resentment could be going up against King Charles." “The nastiness is just beyond imagination really.” After Prince Harry's string of revelations in Spare, it has been speculated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not attend the coronation, with no confirmation yet on whether they plan to face the royal family for the joyous occasion. Image credits: Getty Images

Family & Pets

Prince Andrew to appeal loss of another royal perk

Prince Andrew has lost another costly royal perk in the wake of his various controversies, but his appeal against it may spark ire among Brits struggling with a cost-of-living crisis. The former royal has been told he will no longer be granted taxpayer-funded armed guards from next month, nearly a year after he was stripped of his titles and duties after his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was publicised. Unlike titles and duties, security for the royal family is determined by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, including the Home Office, Metropolitan Police and palace officials. According to The Sun, insider sources said Andrew has written to the Home Office and Met Police over losing his security detail. ''He is going to write to the Home Office and the Met Police to complain about losing his taxpayer-funded security,'' the source told the outlet. Currently, Andrew is escorted by police guards whenever he leaves the grounds of Windsor, with the escort estimated to cost taxpayers up to three million pounds ($NZ 5.8 million) a year. With the UK facing a cost-of-living crisis and skyrocketing bills this winter, there is speculation that Andrew’s complaints may cause more negative reactions towards him. ''He doesn't seem to understand that he's in disgrace and people don't want to hear from him anymore - especially him with his begging bowl,” a Labour MP said, as reported by Express UK. The latest loss comes after the 62-year-old was told to stop using His Royal Highness and his royal military titles in January, with his royal patronages also returned to the late Queen. In the following months, Andrew settled a lawsuit launched against him by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who accused him of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager. With the ultimate decision surrounding his security detail lying with Home Secretary Suella Braverman and given his recent controversies, it seems unlikely that Andrew’s appeal will be a success. Image: Getty Images

Money & Banking

“I believe Prince Andrew”: Fergie’s ex speaks in bombshell interview

Sarah Ferguson’s former partner has made bombshell allegations about Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew and the late Queen, including claims that the convicted sex offender planned to blackmail the monarch. John Bryan, who was in a relationship with Ferguson for four years in the 1990s, made the claims in his first tell-all interview, per The Sun. The US businessman said that Epstein earned some of his wealth by blackmailing others in powerful positions into giving him money in exchange for his silence over their illicit behaviours. “People always ask how Epstein made his money. He was supposed to be this tax wizard. But it was all a con,” Bryan told the Mail on Sunday. “He blackmailed rich men and then made them pay to avoid scandal. He made hundreds of millions of dollars this way.” Bryan also claimed he was secretly drafted for crisis talks with Prince Andrew after the royal’s disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview, including that he was smuggled into the Royal Lodge to advise the royal in the wake of the Epstein scandal and amid claims he had sex with then-teenager Virginia Giuffre. He said the conversation involved probing Andrew about his relationship with Epstein and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. “Andrew’s television interview had been a catastrophe so they needed an honest strategic plan that everyone could buy into,” Bryan recalled. “[Fergie] invited me to come over. She was desperate. She told me that Andrew was in terrible shape. “He was distraught. They were distraught.” He claimed that he helped the family come up with a “long term strategy” called “House of Kroy”, a backwards spelling of York. During the interview, Bryan said Epstein’s “ultimate” aim was to blackmail the Queen using the allegations of child sexual abuse and other sexual activities made against Andrew. “Epstein tried to lure Andrew into his web, but I believe his ultimate mark was the Queen,” Bryan said, adding that Epstein’s plan to target the Queen supported his belief that the allegations against Andrew were unfounded. “I believe Andrew is innocent. If he genuinely was involved in ‘orgies’ as has been alleged, then Epstein would have used that to try and bribe the Queen into paying out millions to protect her family,” he said. “Andrew has never had any money. The Queen was the one with money. “I truly believe Epstein was going after her but Andrew never gave him the ammunition to do so.” The financial advisor recalled another meeting with the royals, including Andrew, Princess Beatrice, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank. Bryan claimed Princess Beatrice told Andrew, “you’ve hurt our family”, and that Andrew was “downcast” and yelling: “I don’t care anymore, I don’t care. I am being treated unfairly.” He added that the Duke was in a state he had never seen him in before after the interview. “In the four years I dated Sarah I never once heard him raise his voice or lose his temper,” he said. “It showed what strain he was under, how much he cared about the damage this was doing to the Royal Family.” Bryan added that he had only seen Andrew with women aged in their mid-20s while he was dating Fergie, and that he believed there was “no hint” of “anything untoward going on”. “I truly believe if there was anything untoward going on I would have known about it, Sarah would have known about it,” he said. “But there was never a hint of that. I remain and will always remain an outsider, so let me be the first outsider to say that I believe Prince Andrew – and I don’t say it lightly. “This outsider has a lot of inside knowledge.” Image: Getty Images

Legal

Prince Harry and Prince Andrew’s Remembrance Day wreaths removed

Remembrance Day wreaths laid by Prince Harry and his disgraced uncle Prince Andrew have been removed. The wreaths displayed by the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of York at the Poppy Factory were “got rid of” while the wreaths laid by senior royals over the years remain. The removal is reportedly another way of “removing” the two from the Royal Family, according to UK media. Prince Harry, who fought in Afghanistan, laid a wreath at the last Remembrance commemoration he took part in, in 2019. “Harry used to have his wreath on display in the centre’s old exhibiting area, but it isn’t any more,” a source said. “We’ve got rid of it – and all the duplicates we kept too.” The Mirror reports that The Poppy Factory and Buckingham Palace declined to comment about what had happened to Harry’s £1,000 wreath. Wreaths from King Charles, the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and Princes William and Edward remain on display. Images: Getty

Travel Trouble

"Prima donna in pigtails": how Julie Andrews the child star embodied the hopes of post-war Britain

In June, the American Film Institute presented its 48th Life Achievement Award, the highest honour in American cinema, to the beloved stage-and-screen star <a href="https://www.afi.com/laa/julie-andrews/">Julie Andrews</a>. On conferring the award, the AFI praised Andrews as “a legendary actress” who “has enchanted and delighted audiences around the world with her uplifting and inspiring body of work”. As anyone who has seen Mary Poppins (1964) or The Sound of Music (1965) can attest, “uplift” is central to the <a href="https://www.sensesofcinema.com/2002/female-glamour-and-star-power/andrews/">Julie Andrews screen persona</a>. It is a sweetness-and-light image that is easy to lampoon. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BZtTQSbl-nw/?hl=en">Andrews herself</a> is alleged to have quipped “sometimes I’m so sweet even I can’t stand it”. But it’s an element of feel-good edification that fuels much of the star’s iconic appeal. The idea of Julie Andrews as a figure of uplift has a long history. Decades before she attained global film stardom in Hollywood, Andrews enjoyed an early career as <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19392397.2022.2109303">a child performer</a>. Billed as “Britain’s youngest singing star”, she performed widely on the postwar concert and variety circuit with forays into radio, gramophone recording and even early television. Possessing a precociously mature soprano voice, Andrews was widely promoted in the era as a <a href="https://paralleljulieverse.tumblr.com/post/63601790519/julies-status-as-a-juvenile-prodigy-possessed">child prodigy</a>. A 1945 BBC talent report filed when the young singer was just nine years old enthused over “this wonderful child discovery” whose “breath control, diction, and range is quite extraordinary for so young a child”. <h2>‘Infant prodigy of trills’</h2> Andrews made her professional West End debut in 1947 where she dazzled audiences with a coloratura performance of the Polonaise from Mignon. Newspapers were ablaze with stories about the “12-year-old singing prodigy with the phenomenal voice”. Reports claimed the pint-sized singer had a vocal range of over four octaves, a fully formed adult larynx and an upper <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistle_register">whistle register</a> so high dogs would be beckoned whenever she sang. On the back of such stories, Andrews was given a slew of lionising monikers: “prima donna in pigtails”, “infant prodigy of trills”, “the miracle voice” and “Britain’s juvenile coloratura”. While much of it was PR hype, the representation of Andrews as an extraordinary musical prodigy resonated deeply with postwar British audiences. The devastation of the war cast <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436946/">a long shadow</a>, and there was a keen sense a collective social rejuvenation was needed to reestablish national wellbeing. The figure of the child was pivotal to the rhetoric of postwar British reconstruction. From political calls for <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0363199020945746">expanded child welfare</a> to the era’s booming <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/30036327">family-oriented consumerism</a>, images of children saturated the cultural landscape, serving as a lightning rod for both <a href="https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/growing-up-in-the-second-world-war">social anxieties and hopes</a>. In her status as “Britain’s youngest singing star”, Andrews chimed with these postwar discourses of child-oriented renewal. A popular myth even traced her prodigious talent to the very heart of the Blitz. Like a scene from a morale-boosting melodrama, the story claimed the young Andrews was huddled one night with family and friends in a Beckenham air raid shelter. In the middle of a communal singalong, a powerful voice suddenly materialised out of her tiny frame, astonishing all into silent delight. <h2>‘Our Julie’</h2> One of the most pointed alignments of Andrews’ juvenile stardom with a discourse of postwar British nationalism came with her appearance at the <a href="https://www.royalvarietycharity.org/royal-variety-performance/archive/detail/1948-london-palladium-">1948 Royal Command Variety Performance</a>. Appearing just two weeks after her 13th birthday, Andrews was the youngest artist ever to participate in the annual event. It generated considerable media coverage and yet another grand nickname: “command singer in pigtails”. Andrews performed a solo set at the event, and was also charged with leading the national anthem at the close. Ideals of restorative nationalism shaped Andrews’ child stardom in other ways. Much of her early repertoire was markedly British, drawn from the English classical canon and rounded out by traditional folk songs. Press reports emphasised, for all her remarkable talent, “our Julie” was still a typical English girl thoroughly unspoiled by fame. In accompanying images she would appear in idyllic scenarios of classic English childhood: playing with dolls, riding her bicycle, doing her homework. Elsewhere, commentary was rife with speculations about Andrews’ prospects as “the next <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelina_Patti">Adelina Patti</a>” or “future <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lily_Pons">Lily Pons</a>”. The mix of nostalgia and hope helped make the young Andrews a reassuring figure in the anxious landscape of postwar Britain. <h2>All grown up</h2> Little prodigies can’t remain little forever. There lies the troubled rub for many child stars, doomed by biology to lose their principal claim to fame. In Andrews’ case, she was able to make the successful transition to adult stardom – and even greater fame – by moving country and professional register into the American stage and screen musical. Still, the themes of therapeutic uplift that defined her early child stardom would follow Julie Andrews as she graduated to become the world’s favourite singing nanny. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/prima-donna-in-pigtails-how-julie-andrews-the-child-star-embodied-the-hopes-of-post-war-britain-188363" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Music

Ghislaine Maxwell opens up about “dear friend” Prince Andrew

Content warning: This article mentions sexual assault and child sexual abuse (CSA). Convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell has spoken about her “dear friend” Prince Andrew and made new claims about a piece of evidence used against the former royal. In an exclusive interview from her jail cell, Maxwell told journalist Daphne Barak that she feels “so bad” for the prince. “I follow what is happening to him,” she told Barak. According to the Sun on Sunday, the outlet that published the interview, Maxwell looked “shaken” when told Andrew’s lawyers had claimed the pair were never close. “I accept that this friendship could not survive my conviction,” she said in response. “He is paying such a price for the association. I consider him a dear friend. I care about him.” The interview is the first since she was convicted of sex trafficking underage girls for convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to abuse between 1994 and 2004, for which she was sentenced to 20 years behind bars. It also comes as Andrew’s attempts to salvage his public image continue after he was accused of raping Virginia Giuffre during the period of time when she was a victim of Epstein. Two <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/five-key-details-in-prince-andrew-s-statement-after-settlement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">weeks before the case was due to begin</a> in federal court, the prince settled the case with a reported payment of $US 12 million ($NZ 21.5 million). Though Maxwell refused to deny allegations she was in a relationship with Andrew, she now claims that one of the biggest pieces of evidence used against him is fake. The socialite claimed the infamous image of Andrew with his arm around Giuffre, with Maxwell in the background, was forged and that the “original one” has never been produced. "This photo is not real," Maxwell said of the photo reportedly taken at her London home in March 2001. "There was never an original one produced." According to the Sun, Maxwell wouldn’t speak further on Giuffre, telling Barak: “I don’t even want to start talking about Virginia.” Maxwell’s new claims go against what she has previously said about the image, including a 2015 email where Epstein’s lawyer asked her whether it was real to which she replied: “It looks real. I think it is.” When Barak questioned her about these claims, Maxwell said she had intended to say she recognised the interiors of her house. “I don't recognise that picture and I don't believe it is a real picture,” Maxwell said. “... But I have come to discover that image I don’t believe is true. And the original has never been produced because it doesn’t exist. I don’t believe that image is a true image.” When asked to explain her response to Epstein’s lawyer, Maxwell it didn’t occur to her at the time that the image could have been created by someone. "If you see a photograph and it's a photograph of you in your home, and someone says to you, 'is that a picture of you?' So you don't question," she said. “[It] would never occur to me … that somebody would have created a photograph or, you know, done something with a picture … I recognised the surroundings of that photograph, nothing more than that.” The 60-year-old went on to claim that there were “over 50 problems with the picture” that led her to believe it was fake. When asked about reports she was romantically involved with the prince, Maxwell said she had heard “so many monstrous inaccuracies” about what happened. "I have read and seen and heard and had reported to me so many monstrous inaccuracies that I can't even start to pick apart all of them,” she said, adding that she would be “super-happy” to address them with Barak after her appeal. Maxwell also spoke about the possibility her friendship with Andrew could continue in the future. “I don't have an expectation. People who I have been friends with — and very close friends with … I can't think about what they will want to do or not do,” she said. If you or someone you know is affected by issues in this article, there is support available. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, or Blue Knot on 1300 657 380 for support relating to sexual abuse. Image: US Department of Justice

Legal

“A pain in the a***”: Security expert reveals why woman posing as Prince Andrew’s fiancée got past security

A woman claiming to be Prince Andrew’s fiancée was able to get past security because staff were too “terrified” to check with the royal according to a specialist detective. The Spanish woman claimed to be Irene Windsor and was due to have dinner with the Duke of York when she arrived at the security gate of the Royal Lodge in Winsdor last April, and was allowed in without her identification checked. Her cab fare was even paid for by security officers, with her cover eventually blown when she entered the building and a suspicious staff member alerted police - but not before she walked around the grounds for up to 40 minutes. Philip Grindell, the founder of VIP security firm Defuse and a former specialist detective with the Met Police, has now claimed that staff were reluctant to check the woman’s story with Prince Andrew because of his reputation. Grindell, who was responsible for planning and running security measures for high-profile events that included those with royals and the military, made the claims while speaking at the International Security Expo in London, describing the royal as an “unpleasant character”. "Prince Andrew is a pain in the a*** and if you have ever worked with him, is an unpleasant character and the security were terrified of asking him 'is anyone turning up?'” Grindell said. "And because they did not want to upset him, no one asked and they assumed he must have an appointment and let her in. "The security were terrified of asking him." Paul Page, a former Met Police royal protection officer, separately shared a similar account about working with the controversial royal. "When I heard this it became blatantly obvious that the security involved were in the same position with Prince Andrew as I was 20 years ago, in that they were too frightened to question unidentified female visitors as it would always end in him abusing us for stopping them,” he said at the expo. "This is a classic example of what we feared would happen one day." At the time, the woman was found with maps of the Royal Lodge and other royal residences, as well as a self-defence key ring with two sharp prongs. She was arrested on suspicion of burglary before being sectioned under the Mental Health Act and eventually released without charge. Image: Getty Images

Legal

Man wearing Melbourne footy jersey arrested for yelling at Prince Andrew

A man wearing a Melbourne City FC jersey has been arrested after screaming at Prince Andrew as he walked behind Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin. The Queen’s coffin travelled through Edinburgh on Monday to St Giles' Cathedral as mourners paid their respects to the late monarch. Her four children, King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, were walking behind the hearse when a man began shouting at Prince Andrew. The man was seen cupping his hands around his mouth before shouting, “Andrew, you're a sick old man”. Police and mourners ganged up on the man before he was arrested and continued shouting “disgusting” and “I’ve done nothing wrong”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Prince Andrew heckled as the Queen's coffin passes <a href="https://t.co/85m9jUgszF">pic.twitter.com/85m9jUgszF</a> — Christopher Marshall (@chrismarshll) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrismarshll/status/1569323294716829700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2022</a></blockquote> Police Scotland confirmed a 22-year old man was arrested “in connection with a breach of the peace' on the Royal Mile around 2.50pm on Monday. The man later identified himself on Scottish TV as “Rory”. It it believed the attack on Prince Andrew was due to his relationship with disgraced sex offender Jeffery Epstein. Prince Andrew was not allowed to wear military dress for the event, and other ones due to his relationship. However, an exception will reportedly be made for him to wear military dress as a special mark of respect for the Queen at the final vigil in Westminster Hall. Images: Twitter

Travel Trouble

Britain’s Channel 4 announce satirical Prince Andrew musical

Britain’s Channel 4 network has announced they will be producing a satirical musical with Prince Andrew at the centre. The UK broadcaster said the 60 minute musical satire will detail the fall of the disgraced royal and his disastrous 2019 interview discussing his ties with late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The BBC Newsnight interview, widely regarded as a public relations catastrophe for the Duke of York, will be "re-imagined” as part of the program, but with a sarcastic twist. Comedian Kieran Hodgson will lead a cast of comics in Prince Andrew: The Musical, a program described as a "satirical send-up of the life and times" of the duke set to a musical score. The show will be part of a 40th anniversary season of shows called Truth or Dare for Channel 4, which launched in 1982. It has not yet been announced exactly when it will air. At the time of the interview, critics tore into Prince Andrew for his lack of empathy for the abused victims of Epstein, who killed himself in prison in August 2019. Ever since the interview, the Duke of York has remained embroiled in controversy surrounding his potential involvement with Epstein. As a result, he was stripped of his military titles and his use of "his royal highness" in early 2022. Image credits: Getty Images

Music

“A night of magic and music”: Julie Andrews enjoys touching ‘Sound of Music’ reunion

Dame Julie Andrews has been awarded one of Hollywood's highest honours - bestowed on one person each year - and had a heart-warming reunion all in the same night. When the acclaimed actress received the American Film Institute's lifetime achievement award in Los Angeles on Thursday, she was surprised with a sweet rendition of 'Do Re Mi' from five of the stars who played the Von Trapp children in The Sound of Music. Andrews went on to join Duane Chase (Kurt), Kym Karath (Gretl), Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), Debbie Turner (Marta), and Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich) in their performance which marked the first time the cast had performed together in over six decades. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Julie Andrews is surprised by her kids from THE SOUND OF MUSIC and joins them in a sing-a-long of ‘Do-Re-Mi’ to kick off the AFI Life Achievement Award presentation to her — what a beautiful moment! <a href="https://t.co/TZYT7UNPhr">pic.twitter.com/TZYT7UNPhr</a> — Scott Feinberg (@ScottFeinberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottFeinberg/status/1535106725946093568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2022</a></blockquote> Only Charmian Carr, who played eldest sister Liesel and passed away in 2016, and Heather Menzies-Urich, who played Louisa and died in 2017, were missing. Prior to receiving her award, Andrews said she was “gobsmacked” to find her career was being honoured in such a way. “I didn’t know or think that it would ever come,” she said on the red carpet. “But it’s just as well, because you can’t go around expecting awards and things like that.” Fans took to social media to share their delight at Andrews’ award and reunion with her castmates, prompting Karath to share an update on what happened after. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"> Signing our SOM Family Scrapbooks together today, and talking about how magical Julie’s AFI Tribute was last night! <a href="https://twitter.com/thesom7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thesom7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DebbieTurnerDTO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DebbieTurnerDTO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/acstudio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@acstudio</a> <a href="https://t.co/memxYDOR5V">pic.twitter.com/memxYDOR5V</a> — Kym Karath (@KymKarath) <a href="https://twitter.com/KymKarath/status/1535362904928575488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2022</a></blockquote> “Signing our SOM Family Scrapbooks together today, and talking about how magical Julie’s AFI Tribute was last night!” she commented on a video from the performance, sharing a behind-the-scenes look of the five Von Trapps. All five, along with Andrews, also posed for a formal portrait and shared it on social media. “So much fun last night at the 48th AFI Life Achievement Award honouring Julie Andrews,” Cartwright captioned the photo on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CepYeBdFTtc/?igshid=YTgzYjQ4ZTY%3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>. “It was great being with my ‘Sound of Music’ siblings once again. A night of magic and music.” Image: @angelacartwrightstudio (Instagram)

Music

Prince Andrew tests positive for COVID-19

Prince Andrew has tested positive for COVID-19, and his limited appearance at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations will be entirely scrapped as a result. Buckingham Palace confirmed his positive result on Thursday, with a spokesman adding he would no longer attend Friday’s National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, as reported by <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/platinum-jubilee-prince-andrew-tests-positive-for-covid19/news-story/8a971cc3c4f855a60358705402487b4f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. “After undertaking a routine test the Duke has tested positive for Covid and with regret will no longer be attending tomorrow’s service,” the spokesman said. Queen Elizabeth II has also withdrawn from appearing at the service at the last minute, citing “discomfort” according to the Palace. If she and Prince Andrew had attended, they would be joining a large contingent of their royal relatives, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Duke of York was also notably absent from the Buckingham Palace balcony during Thursday’s Trooping the Colour, after the Queen only allowed for working royals to join her at the iconic spot. As a result, she was joined by Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and several minor royals. Her eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice, didn’t appear on the balcony but could be seen watching from a palace window. Having spent time with the Queen prior to testing positive, some are concerned that Prince Andrew may have exposed the monarch, who previously caught the virus in February. However, the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a> have reported that Andrew has undergone regular testing and hasn’t seen the Queen since testing positive. The Duke has stepped away from his public role in recent years, and has appeared in a limited capacity following his settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault. Image: Getty Images

Caring

Prince Andrew working on amends following sexual abuse allegations

Prince Andrew is reportedly working on making amends following allegations he sexually abused a teenager. The Duke of York, 62, was accused by Virginia Giuffre, 38, of sexually assaulting her on three occasions when she was 17 at Ghislaine Maxwell's home in London, in Epstein's mansion in New York and on Epstein's private island in the US Virgin Islands. The pair reached an out-of-court settlement of £12 million with Prince Andrew now looking to make amends according to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby. The Archbishop said society has become “very unforgiving” and that we should take a step back and see that the Duke of York is looking to make improvements. “Forgiveness really does matter. I think we have become a very, very unforgiving society. There's a difference between consequences and forgiveness,” Reverend Justin said in an interview on ITV. “I think for all of us, one of the ways that we celebrate when we come together is in learning to be a more open and forgiving society. “Now with Prince Andrew, I think we all have to step back a bit. He's seeking to make amends and I think that's a very good thing. “But you can't tell people how they're supposed to respond about this. And the issues of the past in the area of abuse are so intensely personal and private for so many people. “It's not surprising. There's very deep feelings, indeed.” The Archbishop also defended the Queen’s decision to walk with Prince Andrew at Prince Philip’s memorial service in March, saying she was “fully entitled” to do so. He however received backlash for his comments, forcing him to backtrack and release a statement clarifying what he meant about consequences and forgiveness. “I was asked a question about forgiveness, and I said that there is a difference between consequences and forgiveness,” the statement read. “Both are essential elements of the Christian understanding of justice, mercy and reconciliation. “I also made the broader point that I hope we can become a more forgiving society. These are complex issues that are difficult to address in a short media interview and I hope they do not distract from this week's joyful celebration of Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.” Image: Getty

Family & Pets

Andrew Symonds laid to rest in private service

Cricketing icon Andrew Symonds has been farewelled in a private funeral on Friday morning, ahead of a public service later that afternoon. Symonds’ wife and children were seen clutching his beloved Akubras as they gathered with friends, teammates and other family members of the cricketer at Riverway Stadium on the outskirts of Townsville, Queensland. The memorial comes <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/gone-too-soon-tributes-flow-for-andrew-symonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nearly a fortnight after Symonds veered off a remote road</a> and fatally crashed his car. His wife Laura and their children Billy and Chloe were among the first to arrive at 10am, just an hour before the service began, and were followed a short time later by Symonds’ best friend and former teammate Jimmy Maher. Other cricketing greats also attended the service, including Adam Gilchrist, Ian Healy, Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh, Glenn McGrath and Micthell Johnson, as well as West Indies batsman Brian Lara and NRL player Darren Lockyer. A note sent to guests told them “no tie necessary”, reflecting Symonds’ casual personal style and his frequent appearances at semi-formal events in shorts and t-shirts. Some guests took the brief seriously, arriving in chinos and button-up shirts, while others wore three-piece suits. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Andrew Symonds will be publicly farewelled this afternoon in Townsville. Fans are welcomed to join the service online from 2:30pm AEST on <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cricketcomau</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxCricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxCricket</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/kayosports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kayosports</a> <a href="https://t.co/E4rR5Sae18">pic.twitter.com/E4rR5Sae18</a> — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1530015862995816448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2022</a></blockquote> In lieu of flowers, guests were encouraged to donate to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Nigel Fairbain was the first to speak at the service, welcoming attendees to celebrate Symonds’ life. “The gratitude his family extends to you all, with the acknowledgement to people who have travelled long distances. “Rejoice in the life he led. Celebrate it and learn from it. “Andrew’s life was a life well-lived, albeit cut short too early.” Symonds’ two children both spoke after, followed by his mother Barbara and sister Louise. A video tribute was also delivered by former teammate Matthew Hayden. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/andrew-symonds-service1.jpg" alt="" /> Photos of Andrew Symonds, cricket hats and his cricket bat surrounded his coffin. Image: Twitter After the service, Gilchrist told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10859363/Andrew-Symonds-funeral-Townville-Riverway-Stadium-Australia-cricket-greats-wife-Laura-farewell-Roy.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Mail Australia</a> that Maher delivered the best eulogy he’s ever heard. “He looked at the kids in the eyes and told them exactly what he thought Roy would want him to say,” Gilchrist told the publication. “The service was simply beautiful. I’ve not seen a congregation as moved as they were today - full of sadness, but also such beautiful memories of a guy who just gave so much of himself to so many people, unconditionally. “He was loyal, almost to a fault. Mischievous character, but he would do whatever it took to help others - in and off the field. “We’ve all spoken so much about Roy, and there’s barely been a mention of his cricketing exploits and he was one of the game's great exploits. Ricky Ponting said he’d pick him in any team in any format.” Following on from the morning’s service, a public service will be livestreamed on <a href="https://www.cricket.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cricket.com.au</a>, <a href="https://kayosports.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kayo Sports</a>, and <a href="https://www.foxsports.com.au/?_gl=1*qteu7l*_ga*YW1wLU50aDlQVWR6Yk41MU11RW5FRjdQRVE." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fox Cricket</a> from 2.30pm. Image: Getty Images

News

Gone too soon: Tributes flow for Andrew Symonds

The sporting world has been dealt yet another heavy blow following the sudden death of former Australian cricket legend Andrew Symonds in a car crash. The 46-year-old died on Saturday night just outside Townsville, Queensland, where he was spending his retirement years. <a href="https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/news/2022/05/15/fatal-single-vehicle-crash-hervey-range/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to police</a>, Symonds was driving shortly after 11pm when his car left the road and rolled. Emergency services attempted to revive him at the scene but were unsuccessful. Gavin Oates, the Acting Inspector of Townsville Police, said the cause of the crash was still unknown. “That’s still being investigated at this stage. Forensic Crash Unit officers have attended the scene and are conducting the investigation and they will prepare a report for the coroner,” he said. “The accident was actually heard by neighbours who are people who live nearby that were the first people on scene and alerted emergency services. “They provided the assistance they could at the time.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Tributes flow for the great Andrew Symonds. Our deepest condolences to all those who were lucky enough to enjoy the pleasure of his company ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/k5zacI4Jbl">pic.twitter.com/k5zacI4Jbl</a> — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1525707655737593856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2022</a></blockquote> Symonds’ wife Laura, who flew from Sydney to Townsville on Sunday morning, spoke to The Courier Mail and said her thoughts were focused on her and Symonds’ two children, Chloe and Billy. “We are still in shock - I’m just thinking of the two kids,” she told the publication. “He’s such a big person and there is just so much of him in his kids.” Since the news broke of Symond’s sudden passing, fellow cricketers - including teammates and opponents - have been among the many thousands who have shared tributes to him. “This really hurts,” Adam Gilchrist, a former teammate and wicketkeeper, wrote on Twitter. “Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy. 💔😞 — Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) <a href="https://twitter.com/gilly381/status/1525635035751059456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2022</a></blockquote> Ricky Ponting, who captained Symonds at various points in his career, described him as “an extraordinary player and even better human being”. “If Roy shook your hand you had his word, that’s the sort of bloke he was and that’s why I always wanted him on my team,” Ponting wrote. “An extraordinary player and even better human being. Can’t believe he’s gone.” Cricketer and fast bowler Brett Lee, who knew Symonds since they were teenagers, shared a heartbreaking tribute to “one of the most gifted athletes”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I knew Roy since the age of 17 from junior cricket. One of the most gifted athletes I’ve ever witnessed. He didn’t play for money or fame, these things were irrelevant to him. As long as he could afford to wet a line & have a cold beer, Roy was happy. First picked in any team 💔 <a href="https://t.co/l1JN3HHJdI">pic.twitter.com/l1JN3HHJdI</a> — Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrettLee_58/status/1525954573898113024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2022</a></blockquote> “I knew Roy since the age of 17 from junior cricket. One of the most gifted athletes I’ve ever witnessed,” Lee began. “He didn’t play for money or fame, these things were irrelevant to him. As long as he could afford to wet a line & have a cold beer, Roy was happy. First picked in any team.” Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik even paid tribute by creating a huge, colourful sculpture in Odisha, eastern India, as reported by ANI. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik paid tribute to Australian cricket star <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndrewSymonds?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndrewSymonds</a> through his sand art at Puri beach in Odisha. The cricket legend died in a car crash on May 15. <a href="https://t.co/wDSOaph6LH">pic.twitter.com/wDSOaph6LH</a> — ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1525966852291465216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2022</a></blockquote> The Gold Coast Dolphins Cricket Club - the junior club where Symonds played as a 15-year-old - also shared they were “deeply saddened” by his death. "I think there's been a lot of tragedy in cricket this year and Andrew was just a bigger than life character and it's shocking to hear," club president Adam Daniels said. "He started playing at the club as a 15-year-old … he represents, probably in the history of the club, one of the first players to come through as a junior player to play for Australia." Daniels described him as the “ultimate teammate” who always gave “200 percent” to the game. "I think he's the ultimate teammate, he would do anything for you – on the field and off the field," he said. "He created an atmosphere in the change room that was fun. "He was a fun guy to be around, but as a team-mate he would go into battle for you. "I think he was ultimately one of the most talented players. He could do everything, from a batting point of view, (he bowled) medium pace, he bowled off spin, his athleticism in the field. He was just the ultimate athlete. "I think that probably what's forgotten is his work ethic. He was probably one of the hardest trainers and I think that's what led to him being a test cricketer." Image: Twitter

News

Fun facts about The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music is that film you can watch over and over again without getting bored. The 1965 American musical drama stands out thanks to its loving cast, the phenomenal soundtrack and storyline. Starring the beloved Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, here are five fun facts you did not know about the movie. <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Julie Andrews almost wasn’t cast as Maria </li> </ol> Richard Rodgers said that Julie Andrews would be perfect for the role of Maria but no one else agreed. It was only after the crew saw Mary Poppins that they noticed how everybody loved her. <ol start="2"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Julie Andrews kept falling over on the mountain </li> </ol> The opening scene where Maria is dancing on the mountain saw Julie Andrews fall multiple times thanks to the helicopter hovering above. “This was a jet helicopter,” Andrews said. “And the downdraft from those jets was so strong that every time … the helicopter circled around me and the downdraft just flattened me into the grass. And I mean flattened. It was fine for a couple of takes, but after that you begin to get just a little bit angry… And I really tried. I mean, I braced myself, I thought, ‘It’s not going to get me this time.’ And every single time, I bit the dust.” <ol start="3"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Christopher Plummer hated the movie </li> </ol> Our beloved Captain von Trapp hated the film to the point where he actually called it “The Sound of Mucus”. “Because it was so awful and sentimental and gooey,” he said. “You had to work terribly hard to try and infuse some minuscule bit of humor into it.” Because he hated the film so much, Plummer would sit eating and drinking in excess which caused him to gain so much weight. In the DVD commentary, Plummer also confessed that he was in fact drunk during the filming of the music festival. <ol start="4"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Young Gretl was traumatised during the boat scene </li> </ol> In the scene where Maria had taken the von Trapp kids out to town and were spotted by the Captain in the boat outside their home traumatised young Gretl. Gretl did not know how to swim and therefore it was agreed that Maria would fall forward when the boat flipped. When the boat flipped, Maria instead fell backwards which saw Gretl struggle and inhale a lot of water. She eventually vomited on the actress that played Louisa. <ol start="5"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Friedrich grew 15cm during filming </li> </ol> Nicholas Hammond played Friedrich and grew an incredible 15cm during filming. Because he was supposed to appear shorter than Liesl but taller than Louisa - at the start of the film Hammond had lifts on his shoes and by the end of it they were gone. Image: Pinterest

Movies

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Prince Andrew “terrified” to leave Royal Lodge amid eviction rumours

Prince William’s undercover university ‘disguise’ revealed

"Totally bereft": Andrew Lloyd Webber's tragic family news

“We are all praying”: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s family heartbreak

Prince Andrew’s eviction fears

How Prince Andrew and Prince Harry have thrown coronation plans into "chaos"

Prince Andrew to appeal loss of another royal perk

“I believe Prince Andrew”: Fergie’s ex speaks in bombshell interview

Prince Harry and Prince Andrew’s Remembrance Day wreaths removed

"Prima donna in pigtails": how Julie Andrews the child star embodied the hopes of post-war Britain

Ghislaine Maxwell opens up about “dear friend” Prince Andrew

“A pain in the a***”: Security expert reveals why woman posing as Prince Andrew’s fiancée got past security

Man wearing Melbourne footy jersey arrested for yelling at Prince Andrew

Britain’s Channel 4 announce satirical Prince Andrew musical

“A night of magic and music”: Julie Andrews enjoys touching ‘Sound of Music’ reunion

Prince Andrew tests positive for COVID-19

Prince Andrew working on amends following sexual abuse allegations

Andrew Symonds laid to rest in private service

Gone too soon: Tributes flow for Andrew Symonds

Fun facts about The Sound of Music

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Prince Andrew “terrified” to leave Royal Lodge amid eviction rumours

Prince William’s undercover university ‘disguise’ revealed

"Totally bereft": Andrew Lloyd Webber's tragic family news

“We are all praying”: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s family heartbreak

Prince Andrew’s eviction fears

How Prince Andrew and Prince Harry have thrown coronation plans into "chaos"

Prince Andrew to appeal loss of another royal perk

“I believe Prince Andrew”: Fergie’s ex speaks in bombshell interview

Prince Harry and Prince Andrew’s Remembrance Day wreaths removed

"Prima donna in pigtails": how Julie Andrews the child star embodied the hopes of post-war Britain

Ghislaine Maxwell opens up about “dear friend” Prince Andrew

“A pain in the a***”: Security expert reveals why woman posing as Prince Andrew’s fiancée got past security

Man wearing Melbourne footy jersey arrested for yelling at Prince Andrew

Britain’s Channel 4 announce satirical Prince Andrew musical

“A night of magic and music”: Julie Andrews enjoys touching ‘Sound of Music’ reunion

Prince Andrew tests positive for COVID-19

Prince Andrew working on amends following sexual abuse allegations

Andrew Symonds laid to rest in private service

Gone too soon: Tributes flow for Andrew Symonds

Fun facts about The Sound of Music

Join Over60